What started as a complaint about slow service at a Chester Taco Bell ended with a 30-year-old woman in handcuffs, accused of flashing a handgun at workers in the Kent Town Market shopping center on June 18. Deputies say no one was hurt, but the confrontation escalated far beyond the usual fast-food frustration.
What deputies say
According to a press release from the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff, deputies were called to the Taco Bell at Kent Towne Market after staff reported a customer who was "displaying a handgun during a verbal altercation" over how long her order was taking. When deputies arrived, they initially detained two people before ultimately taking 30-year-old Ashley Andrews into custody, according to the sheriff's office.
Video and weapon recovered
Investigators say they found a loaded handgun on Andrews and later reviewed surveillance footage along with cellphone video recorded by an employee. The clips appeared to back up workers' descriptions of the incident, showing Andrews lift her shirt to reveal the gun and place a hand on the grip, details that are summarized by Law & Crime.
Charges and court status
Andrews now faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault, having a handgun on her person, disorderly conduct, and reckless endangerment. She was booked on a $5,000 bond and, according to court records, posted bail the following day. The New York Post reports that she is represented by a public defender and has invoked her right to a speedy trial.
What comes next
Court records list a trial date of July 23, as reported by Law & Crime. In the meantime, the sheriff's office says Andrews has been banned from the Taco Bell property while the investigation continues, per the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff. Prosecutors are expected to decide how to proceed after reviewing the videos and employee statements.
